Is a 16:9 iPad Apple's Next Tablet? And Is It Better for Games?

We're barely out of iPhone 5 rumor territory, and already it appears we're onto the next batch of Apple rumors. This time the rumors are pointing toward a new design for the full-sized iPad.

While this doesn't invalidate the rumors that Apple's making a 7-inch tablet, tech analyst Paul Mueller claims Apple has been working on iPad prototypes with an aspect-ratio to match the latest iPhone and iPod touch.

"I have talked to at least three people close to Apple who say that there are new iPad prototypes that have a 16:9 aspect ratio," Mueller told the Examiner. "They aren't talking about the upcoming iPad mini either."

The wider aspect ratio, which has shown up on some Android tablets, is certainly better suited to video content. (16:9 is the standard ratio for wide-screen TVs) But 4:3 is closer to paper media, and creating a 16:9 iPad would likely mean shaving off screen real estate, as opposed to making the already tall iPad taller.

We're taking this one with a healthy dose of skepticism, but what do you think? Would a broader touchscreen be good or bad for tablet gaming? Let's see some debate in the comments.

Jon Fox is a Seattle hipster who loves polar bears and climbing trees. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN.